Altar de Muertos--Day of the Dead Altar
El Día de los Muertos, or The Day of the Dead, is one of the most celebrated holidays in Mexico. It is the time of the year that the deceased return to earth to visit their relatives and loved ones. For the living, this is an opportunity to honor those who have passed on. The annual reunion takes place on November 1st with deceased children, and November 2nd with the adults. Altars are left overnight so that the spirits can enjoy the feast, and then on November 3rd the rest of the family enjoys the offerings.
The celebration of El Dia de los Muertos varies from region to region but one common feature is the construction of an altar. Traditionally, one altar is set up for each loved one. Each altar consists of marigolds —their distinct smell and vibrant color help guide the spirit home—, and traditional food —e.g., tamales (corn cakes wrapped in corn husks), and pan de muerto (day of the dead bread). The altar is then personalized with pictures of the deceased person, favorite foods and drinks, and other things the person enjoyed while on earth. More flowers, fruit, bright colored paper, and candles are added for decorative purposes.
Like much of Mexican traditions, El Día de los Muertos is a mixture of European and pre-Hispanic customs, mainly All Saints Day and indigenous homage to the Gods. In urban regions the altar is usually decorated with skulls made of sugar. In agriculturally based regions cornhusks and banana leafs may be used to decorate the altar instead of flowers. Regions with heavy indigenous populations tend to include idols of Mayan and Aztec Gods.
This unique tradition reveals important elements of Mexican culture: love and respect for our ancestors; celebration of the continuity of life; strengthening family relationships; promotion of community solidarity; and, ultimately, finding humor in death.